Remotely operated game call apparatus

ABSTRACT

A remotely operated game call apparatus includes a mouthpiece assembly, a mouthpiece fastener connected to the mouthpiece assembly, a flexible breath conveyance assembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly, conveyance fasteners connected to the breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assembly connected to the breath conveyance assembly. With the apparatus, exhaled breath from a user is conveyed from the mouthpiece assembly, through the breath conveyance assembly, and to the game call assembly for producing an audible game call sound remotely from the mouthpiece assembly and the person using it. With the apparatus, a hunter can sit at an elevated location in a tree, and the game call assembly located at ground level can be remotely operated by the exhaled breath of the hunter which passes through the mouthpiece assembly, through the breath conveyance assembly, and through the game call assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copendingProvisional Application Serial No. 60/228,872; filed Aug. 30, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to callers, used bypersons, to call wildlife.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Callers, used by persons, to call wildlife are well known in theart. Often, the person places the wildlife caller device in one's mouthand blows on the device to emit a wildlife calling sound. Throughout theyears, a number of innovations have been developed relating to suchwildlife caller devices, and the following U.S. Pat. Nos. arerepresentative of some of those innovations: 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and4,850,925. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and 4,850,925shares a common characteristic. That is, the wildlife caller device isplaced in the person's mouth, and the sound emitted from the wildlifecaller device is emitted from the vicinity of the person's mouth.

[0006] If wildlife is attracted to the sound of the wildlife callerdevice, the wildlife may approach the device and the person using thedevice. However, when the wildlife gets close enough, the wildlife maysee, hear, or smell the person, and the wildlife may run away, beingfearful of the sight, sound, or odor of the person using the wildlifecaller device. Such may occur because the wildlife caller device and theperson using the device are so close together. In this respect, it wouldbe desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided in which theperson using the wildlife caller device were remotely located from thesound-emitting portion of the device. Stated somewhat differently, itwould be desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided so that aperson's visibility, sounds, and odors were located remotely from thesound-emitting portion of the device.

[0007] In U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,782,558, 3,029,554, and 4,850,925 a person'sbreath controls sounds being emitted from the respective wildlife callerdevices. A person's breath can be exercised with great control by aperson. Therefore, for a wildlife caller device that is controlledremotely by a person from the sound-emitting portion, it would bedesirable if the remotely controlled wildlife caller device werecontrolled by the person's breath.

[0008] Very often a person, such as a hunter, positions one's self in atree, above ground level, in order to be out of sight, sound, and smellof wildlife that roams the ground surface. Yet, sound emitted from awildlife caller device would normally be emitted at ground level toattract wildlife or game roaming the ground surface. In this respect, itwould be desirable if a wildlife caller device were provided thatpermits a hunter to be located above ground in a tree and permits thehunter to control a sound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller devicethat is located at ground level to be controlled by the breath of thehunter in the tree.

[0009] When a hunter is up a tree and a sound-emitting portion is atground level, the overall dimensions of such a wildlife caller deviceare quite large. Yet, for convenience, it would be desirable if such aremotely controlled wildlife caller device would be reducible to arelatively small size for storage and transportation.

[0010] When a hunter is up a tree and is using a remotely controlledwildlife caller device, it would be desirable for the greater portion ofthe device to be firmly secured to the tree so that it will not move andcreate an unwanted distraction for the wildlife.

[0011] It may be of interest to note that the following U.S. Pat. Nos.disclose toys that use a person's breath to cause visually entertainingtoy action: 617,213 and 3,372,511.

[0012] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to bewell known to use wildlife caller devices, the prior art described abovedoes not teach or suggest a remotely operated game call apparatus whichhas the following combination of desirable features: (1) provides thatthe person using the wildlife caller device is remotely located from thesound-emitting portion of the device; (2) provides that a person'svisibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from thesound-emitting portion of the device; (3) is remotely controlled by theperson's breath; (4) permits a hunter to be located above ground in atree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion of thewildlife caller device that is located at ground level to be controlledby the breath of the hunter in the tree; (5) is reducible to arelatively small size for storage and transportation when not in use;and (6) provides that a greater portion of the device can be firmlysecured to the tree so that it will not move and create an unwanteddistraction for the wildlife. The foregoing desired characteristics areprovided by the unique remotely operated game call apparatus of thepresent invention as will be made apparent from the followingdescription thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over theprior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the presentinvention, briefly described, provides a remotely operated game callapparatus which includes a mouthpiece assembly, a mouthpiece fastenerconnected to the mouthpiece assembly, a flexible breath conveyanceassembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly, conveyance fastenersconnected to the breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assemblyconnected to the breath conveyance assembly. With the apparatus, exhaledbreath from a user is conveyed from the mouthpiece assembly, through thebreath conveyance assembly, and to the game call assembly for producingan audible game call sound remotely from the mouthpiece fastener.

[0014] The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth-inserted portion, and amain mouthpiece body portion is connected to the mouth-inserted portion.The mouthpiece fastener is connected to the main mouthpiece bodyportion, and the breath conveyance assembly is connected to the mainmouthpiece body portion. The mouth-inserted portion includes amouth-received end and a main-body-portion-received end. Themain-body-portion-received end is offset laterally from themouth-received end. The mouthpiece assembly includes a replaceable,absorbent filter member. The mouthpiece fastener is comprised of asafety pin.

[0015] The conveyance fasteners are comprised of clamp units. Each ofthe clamp units can include a tubing connector portion for connecting tothe breath conveyance assembly, and a clamp member is connected to thetubing connector portion.

[0016] The flexible breath conveyance assembly includes a first lengthof tubing that is connected to the mouthpiece assembly. One end of afirst tubing connector portion of a first clamp unit is connected to thefirst length of tubing. A second length of tubing is connected toanother end of the first tubing connector portion. One end of a secondtubing connector portion of a second clamp unit is connected to thesecond length of tubing. A third length of tubing is connected toanother end of the second tubing connector portion.

[0017] The game call assembly can include a sound-emitting flapper.Also, the game call assembly can include a bendable exit hose portionthat can be aimed in a desired direction. The bendable exit hose portioncan includes a plurality of ribs.

[0018] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the moreimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated.There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of theclaims appended hereto.

[0019] In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limitedin its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as abasis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anew and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which has all ofthe advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus which may be easilyand efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is of durableand reliable construction.

[0024] An even further object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which issusceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materialsand labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices ofsale to the consuming public, thereby making such remotely operated gamecall apparatus available to the buying public.

[0025] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to providea new and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which providesthat the person using the wildlife caller device is remotely locatedfrom the sound-emitting portion of the device.

[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus that provides that aperson's visibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from thesound-emitting portion of the device.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus which is remotelycontrolled by the person's breath.

[0028] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus that permits a hunterto be located above ground in a tree and permits the hunter to control asound-emitting portion of the wildlife caller device that is located atground level to be controlled by the breath of the hunter in the tree.

[0029] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved remotely operated game call apparatus which isreducible to a relatively small size for storage and transportation whennot in use.

[0030] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved remotely operated game call apparatus that provides that agreater portion of the device can be firmly secured to the tree so thatit will not move and create an unwanted distraction for the wildlife.

[0031] These together with still other objects of the invention, alongwith the various features of novelty which characterize the invention,are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be better understood and the above objects aswell as objects other than those set forth above will become moreapparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof.Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of theremotely operated game call apparatus of the invention employed with ahunter in a tree stand.

[0034]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 2 thereof.

[0035]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 3 thereof.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a side view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

[0037]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 contained in circled region 5 thereof.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a front view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved remotelyoperated game call apparatus embodying the principles and concepts ofthe present invention will be described.

[0040] Turning to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment ofthe remotely operated game call apparatus of the invention generallydesignated by reference numeral 10. In its preferred form, remotelyoperated game call apparatus 10 includes a mouthpiece assembly 12, amouthpiece fastener connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12, a flexiblebreath conveyance assembly attached to the mouthpiece assembly 12,conveyance fasteners connected to the breath conveyance assembly, and agame call assembly 20 connected to the breath conveyance assembly. Withthe apparatus, exhaled breath from a user is conveyed from themouthpiece assembly 12, through the breath conveyance assembly, and tothe game call assembly 20 for producing an audible game call soundremotely from the mouthpiece fastener.

[0041] The mouthpiece assembly 12 includes a mouth-inserted portion 22,and a main mouthpiece body portion 24 is connected to the mouth-insertedportion 22. The mouthpiece fastener is connected to the main mouthpiecebody portion 24, and the breath conveyance assembly is connected to themain mouthpiece body portion 24. The mouth-inserted portion 22 includesa mouth-received end 23 and a main-body-portion-received end 25. Themain-body-portion-received end 25 is offset laterally from themouth-received end 23. The lateral offset permits a person to easilyintroduce the mouth-received end 23 into one's mouth when the mainmouthpiece body portion 24 is attached to the person's garment with thesafety pin 14. The mouthpiece assembly 12 includes a replaceable,absorbent filter member 30. When a person breathes into the mouthpieceassembly 12, moisture from the person's breath enters the mouthpieceassembly 12. The filter member 30 absorbs some of that moisture. Inaddition, the filter member 30 can serve to remove odors from theperson's breath. As a result, the exhaled air entering the game callassembly 20 will not emerge from the game call assembly 20 bearing thescent of the person. The mouthpiece fastener is comprised of a safetypin 14.

[0042] The conveyance fasteners are comprised of clamp units 18. Each ofthe clamp units 18 can include a tubing connector portion 26 forconnecting to the breath conveyance assembly, and a clamp member 28 isconnected to the tubing connector portion 26.

[0043] The flexible breath conveyance assembly includes a first lengthof tubing 32 that is connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12. One end ofa first tubing connector portion 26 of a first clamp unit 18 isconnected to the first length of tubing 32. A second length of tubing 34is connected to another end of the first tubing connector portion 26.One end of a second tubing connector portion 36 of a second clamp unit38 is connected to the second length of tubing 34. A third length oftubing 42 is connected to another end of the second tubing connectorportion 36. The second clamp unit 38 also includes a second clamp member40.

[0044] The game call assembly 20 can include a sound-emitting flapper21. Also, the game call assembly 20 can include a bendable exit hoseportion 50 that can be aimed in a desired direction. The bendable exithose portion 50 can includes a plurality of ribs 52.

[0045] One use of the remotely operated game call apparatus 10 of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, a hunter 44 is sitting ina tree stand 46 that is set up in an elevated location in a tree 48. Thesafety pin 14 of the mouthpiece assembly 12 is fastened onto a jacketworn by the hunter 44. The first clamp unit 18 is clamped onto the tree48 at a relatively high location in the tree 48, and the second clampunit 38 is clamped onto the tree 48 at a relatively low location in thetree 48 near the ground. The clamp units can be in the form of alligatorclips as illustrated. With the mouthpiece assembly 12 attached to aportion of an outer garment, such as a jacket, near the hunter's mouth,the hunter 44 exhales into the mouth-inserted portion 22 of themouthpiece assembly 12. The exhaled air is conveyed through the firstlength of tubing 32, the first clamp unit 18, the second length oftubing 34, the second clamp unit 38, the third length of tubing 42, andthe game call assembly 20, resulting in an audible sound is emitted fromthe game call assembly 20 at substantially ground level. The lengths oftubing can be is connected to the mouthpiece assembly 12, the clampunits, and the game call assembly 20 using friction fits.

[0046] When game hear the sound emitted from the game call assembly 20,they are attracted to the game call assembly 20. Since the game callassembly 20 is at ground level, remote from the hunter 44 at an elevatedlocation in the tree 48, when the game approach the game call assembly20 at ground level, the game do not see the hunter 44 who is up the tree48. Once the hunter 44 sees the game close to the base of the tree, thehunter 44 can easily take aim and shoot the closely positioned game.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the game callassembly 20 can be affixed to a decoy (not shown) at ground level. Withthis embodiment of the invention, when game is attracted to soundemitted from the game call assembly 20, when the game approaches thegame call assembly 20, the game see the decoy at ground level, the gamewill not see the hunter 44 at an elevated level, and the hunter 44 cantake aim and shoot at the game.

[0048] If desired, the entire remotely operated game call apparatus 10can be sufficiently small in size so that it can be readily placed in acarrying pouch that can be carried on a hunter's belt when not in use.

[0049] The components of the remotely operated game call apparatus ofthe invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plasticmaterials.

[0050] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention,the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, nofurther discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

[0051] It is apparent from the above that the present inventionaccomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new andimproved remotely operated game call apparatus that is low in cost,relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageouslybe used to permit the person using the wildlife caller device to beremotely located from the sound-emitting portion of the device. With theinvention, a remotely operated game call apparatus provides that aperson's visibility, sounds, and odors are located remotely from thesound-emitting portion of the device. With the invention, a remotelyoperated game call apparatus is provided which is remotely controlled bythe person's breath. With the invention, a remotely operated game callapparatus is provided which permits a hunter to be located above groundin a tree and permits the hunter to control a sound-emitting portion ofthe wildlife caller device that is located at ground level to becontrolled by the breath of the hunter in the tree. With the invention,a remotely operated game call apparatus is provided which is reducibleto a relatively small size for storage and transportation when not inuse. With the invention, a remotely operated game call apparatusprovides that a greater portion of the device can be firmly secured tothe tree so that it will not move and create an unwanted distraction forthe wildlife.

[0052] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawingsand fully described above with particularity and detail in connectionwith what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

[0053] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should bedetermined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims soas to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationshipsequivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification.

[0054] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexedAbstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and thepublic generally, and especially the scientists, engineers andpractitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal termsor phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection thenature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention orthe application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LettersPatent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A remotely operated gamecall apparatus, comprising: a mouthpiece assembly, a mouthpiece fastenerconnected to said mouthpiece assembly, a flexible breath conveyanceassembly attached to said mouthpiece assembly, conveyance fastenersconnected to said breath conveyance assembly, and a game call assemblyconnected to said breath conveyance assembly, such that breath from auser is conveyed from said mouthpiece assembly, through said breathconveyance assembly, and to said game call assembly for producing anaudible game call sound remotely from said mouthpiece fastener.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said game call assembly includes asound-emitting flapper.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gamecall assembly includes a bendable exit hose portion that can be aimed ina desired direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said bendableexit hose portion can include a plurality of ribs.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said mouthpiece assembly includes: a mouth-insertedportion, and a main mouthpiece body portion connected to saidmouth-inserted portion, wherein said mouthpiece fastener is connected tosaid main mouthpiece body portion, and wherein said breath conveyanceassembly is connected to said main mouthpiece body portion.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein said mouth-inserted portion includes: amouth-received end, and a main-body-portion-received end, wherein saidmain-body-portion-received end is offset laterally from saidmouth-received end.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mouthpieceassembly includes a replaceable, absorbent filter member.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said mouthpiece fastener is comprised of asafety pin.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conveyancefasteners are comprised of clamp units.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein each of said clamp units includes: a tubing connector portionfor connecting to said breath conveyance assembly, and a clamp memberconnected to said tubing connector portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said flexible breath conveyance assembly includes: a firstlength of tubing connected to said mouthpiece assembly, one end of afirst tubing connector portion of a first clamp unit connected to saidfirst length of tubing, a second length of tubing connected to anotherend of said first tubing connector portion, one end of a second tubingconnector portion of a second clamp unit connected to said second lengthof tubing, and a third length of tubing connected to another end of saidsecond tubing connector portion.